Meet MMC’s 2022 Valedictorian 

Cornelison is currently interning at the Theater Center and writing her senior thesis. She is President of both Lambda Pi Eta and Alpha Chi Honors, in addition to holding membership in Omicron Delta Kappa Honors. From writing a play (There’s Always Vacancy at the Roosevelt) to watching it be performed on stage, from dreaming of working at a music video company to interning at Vevo, Cornelison’s unwavering sense of determination has been a key pillar in her MMC career.

“I have found my MMC education has allowed me to understand the importance of just showing up, being there for each other, and ‘doing the thing.’ A professor once told me that regardless of anything ‘All we truly have to give in this world is our presence.’ That mantra has and forever will stick with me,” Cornelison said.

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Cornelison was drawn to Marymount Manhattan for its prime NYC location and small class sizes, which she credits as providing a “stable” and “hands-on” education. Throughout her time at MMC, Cornelison has exemplified student success—a quintessential MMC value that includes great aspirations, a questing mind, and the confidence to put interdisciplinary classroom studies to the test in New York City.

While a full-time student and intern, Cornelison still managed to soak up the fun that comes with studying in the Big Apple. She once camped out on West 49^th Street for three days to see Harry Styles on SNL—and then again to watch him on the Today Show and at Madison Square Garden.

With a bright future ahead, Cornelison hopes to be a professional playwright and screenwriter while continuing her interests in music video creation and direction.

Published: March 15, 2022